Pushing Back The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Did you know that the Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed for eleven years in the 1990s due to fears that the tilt would eventually bring the tower crashing down? The bell tower was part of the Republic of Pisa and was built in 1173. But because the ground that it was built on was too soft, the iconic tilt started creeping into the building. In the 1990s, it was clear that unless engineers stopped the leaning and perhaps even pushed it back upright, the tower might be destroyed forever.

By removing soil and installing tubes under the tower, the tower was “straightened” by sixteen inches. Now, after almost two decades at work, engineers have declared that the tilt has been further reduced by an inch and a half.

If you’re worried that you will eventually see a vertical tower in the future … worry not! It will take almost 4000 years for the tower to straighten completely! Authorities have taken measures to protect the fragile structure by limiting the number of tourists who get to climb the tower each year.

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